Village Squire, 1980-10, Page 18The renovation
pros
A London company
transforms
a city block
BY SUSANNE JONES
For the past 12 years Alcor Invest-
ments in London has been transforming a
city block --restoring older houses fallen
into disrepair by returning their original
charm and adding the conveniences of
contemporary living. The block
encompasses Richmond, Hyman,
Wellington Streets and Central Avenue
and was chosen as a restoration project
by London's Ivey family, who saw the
necessity for preserving some of the
city's early architecture. Over 15 houses
have been acquired to date, 10 of which
are now completely restored.
Alcor works closely with the
contracting firm of Richardson and
Johnston. and before each house is
tackled, plans are drawn up and discuss-
ed by Alcor president Lloyd Bishop.
contractor Dave Richardson, and Alcor
designer Allan Wells. Whether any basic
structural changes are made depends on
several factors including condition of the
original structure, the size and number of
bedrooms and design of the building.
Some of the homes have been restored to
exactly the way they were originally built,
while others have had new features
added, such as high cathedral windows.
Exterior brick is cleaned by an acid
treatment which is brushed on and later
washed off, a process which has been
found to be much gentler to the
building's facade than other methods
such as sandblasting.
Interiors of the houses are completely
gutted. Insulation is added, along with
new wiring, heating, and plumbing.
Every attempt is made to preserve
original features: wooden mantles and
PG. 18 VILLAGE SQUIRE/OCTOBER 1980
Some of Alcor's London homes are restored, others like this one have new design
features added.
bannisters are stripped and refinished.
and stained glass windows are
temporarily removed to be cleaned and
restored. Beiges are used for carpeting
and walls to provide a neutral background
for tenants' decor.
REMAIN RESIDENCES
Although one house contains two
businesses and another provides space
for a social service agency, the rest of
Alcor's homes have remained residential.
One charming yellow brick house is a
single dwelling, and the others contain
anywhere from two to seven apartments,
some of which are rented even before the
building has been restored.
The majority of apartments have
working fireplaces, and the homes on
Central Avenue overlook lovely Victoria
Park.
The work begun twelve years ago by
Alcor has spurred other commercial and
private owners to restore and refurbish
homes. Gradually the area surrounding
Victoria Park is regaining its original
grace and charm.
Alcor is always pleased when anyone
shows an interest in architectural re-
storation. Every time someone rescues an
old home from demolition or decay, their
own aim of preserving London's past is
reaffirmed.